Nobody likes to deal with the fear that they'll have to tow their vehicle. Yet, vehicle malfunctions and traffic collisions can occur. When they do, you'll need the help of a reputable towing firm.

Towing firms can handle anything from a motorbike to a huge cargo truck. Somebody must recover and tow vehicles whenever anything breaks down on a roadway. But some towing trucks differ from others. One may divide these trucks into two primary groups: light and heavy.

Read on to learn the key differences between light-duty and heavy-duty towing trucks.

Light-Duty Tow Trucks

Light-duty towing encompasses most typical towing operations that need ordinary tow vehicles. Light-duty tow trucks may handle small-to-medium-sized towing operations such as towing deserted automobiles and personal vehicles. These trucks weigh between 8,500 to 10,000 lbs.

Light-duty tow trucks may tow a variety of vehicles. They include minibuses, sport utility vehicles, motorbikes, and station wagons. Light-duty towing trucks are also often smaller and more agile than other classes of tow trucks. This makes them ideal for use in congested metropolitan environments.

Light-duty towing vehicles have basic equipment and tools and they're a lot more straightforward to use than heavy-duty towing trucks. Also, light-duty towing trucks have a lesser load capacity. Thus, the towed automobile must not be heavier than the tow truck's load limit to prevent any damage.

Most light-duty towing vehicles come with a cable system and a winch for effective towing. These trucks also have modern wheel systems that elevate the affected vehicle's rear or front wheels off the ground while the other two wheels remain on the road while the vehicle is being towed. 

Heavy-Duty Towing

The goal of heavy-duty towing is to transport heavy construction equipment, excavators, garbage trucks, shipping containers, and dump trucks. They are bigger than typical light-duty towing trucks to enable them to tow heavier-duty vehicles and machinery. 

Hence, heavy-duty tow vehicles can undertake towing jobs of any size and weigh an average of 26,000 lbs. These vehicles also have powerful horsepower and torque. Heavy-duty towing trucks can handle the full weight of the towed automobile. This results in high-efficiency towing outcomes at reduced prices.

Because of the advanced nature of this towing machinery, heavy-duty tow truck drivers must also have in-depth mastery of powerful engines. These operators must also know how to operate specialized towing techniques for heavier-duty vehicles. Tows for heavy-load vehicles are lengthier than those for light-duty vehicles. 

Towing heavy-duty vehicles over lengthy distances places immense strain on towing trucks. Thus, heavy-duty towing companies need more comprehensive insurance to cover any damages.

The Value of Weight in Towing

The weight of your automobile will determine whether you need a light-duty or heavy-duty tow truck. Light-duty tow trucks are not the best choice for long-distance towing and cannot move objects that need a heavy-duty tow. Conversely, the use of a heavy-duty tow truck to carry a small automobile would be more expensive and less effective.

To Sum Up

Towing is not a one-size-fits-all task. Hence, towing companies must have a diverse fleet of towing trucks to handle various towing jobs. Always conduct research to identify towing providers with towing expertise and an outstanding track record. Also, ensure that you hire an operator who has the resources to complete the duties you have requested in a professional and timely manner.

Do you need any services for towing or recovery? Please get in touch with us at Hix Wrecker Service to learn how we can serve you. We provide a comprehensive range of towing services for customers, such as light-duty, heavy-duty, and motorbike towing. Also, we offer recovery services and 24-hour emergency roadside help.